Rachana Banerjee

She has done over 35 films with Tolly’s hero no 1. Now, post-marriage, motherhood and a one-and-a-half-year hitch, Rachana Banerjee is back to being what she is best at — Prosenjit’s leading lady.

In Swapan Saha’s Takkar last month, they played an estranged middle-aged couple. Next up, they are together in Raj Mukherjee’s Mr Funtoosh, slated for a Puja release, and in Swapan Saha’s untitled film. “Swapan Saha’s film is a love triangle where I am paired opposite Bumbada but I end up being with Abhishek. In Mr Funtoosh, I am a widow and a school teacher,” reveals Rachana.

Why this Prosenjit fixation? “I have always said that I would like to work opposite everyone. I have worked opposite Jisshu and Ferdous,” protests Rachana. “But maybe a lot of directors and producers feel that me and Bumbada look good on screen. Besides our films do well and give good returns and whenever they have a certain kind of role for me they want to sign both of us,” she reasons.

The other big plus is being in Bumbada’s acting class on the sets. “Just a few days back we were shooting in Siliguri where I needed to look sad in a particular scene and I couldn’t get it right. Bumbada came to my rescue and told me not to give ‘Lalita Pawar-like’ looks! He is a fantastic co-actor and after doing so many films together I am at ease on the sets. We discuss not just our roles together but also our costumes and make-up. He is a very sincere artiste and there’s a lot to learn from him,” gushes Rachana.

Among other projects, Rachana has signed Raj Mukherjee’s Lokhyobhed opposite newcomer Joy and Tapas Pal. But if you thought it was all film and no family for her, think again. She has made it clear that she will work only 15 days a month and devote the rest to little son Praneel.

“I have rejected a lot of offers. I don’t want to overload myself with work. Besides, I am not game for those college-going girl roles anymore. I would rather look and play my age,” she stresses.

Something like the “understated, elegant wife of Bumbada in Takkar” where “the look and make-up” were apt. “I don’t mind dancing around trees since I am doing commercial films but then my character should progress. I am not here to play a role which has few dialogues and lots of songs. I am clear about that.”

As Prosenjit’s chosen one, Rachana can afford to pick and choose.